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25 Sep - 11 Oct, 2026Free
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Families can enjoy a mix of creative and interactive experiences. You will also find outdoor picnic tables and umbrellas, so whānau can relax, enjoy lunch, and soak up the city’s atmosphere before, after, or in between shows.
Plus, more OUT THERE IN THE SQUARE activities and experiences to be announced soon.
Play Activities
Sat 26 Sep - Sun 11 Oct | 11am - 3pm Daily
Have a go at Ngā Taonga Tākaro (traditional Māori games) or circus workshops with Te Kura Maninirau. Make music with The Nukes in a ukulele jam, create puppets, or craft your own POPS! inspired hat with The Open Fort, amongst other exciting activities.
Dance-O-Mat
Fri 25 Sep - Sun 11 Oct | 8am - 8pm daily
Auckland's iconic outdoor dance floor where you get to show off your moves all day long. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a little groover, Dance-O-Mat is your chance to dance like no one's watching. Connect your phone, pick your favourite song, push the red button and cut loose to the beat.
In the festival closing weekend (Sat 10 and Sun 11 Oct), between 11am - 3pm, join special guests Projekt Team in a Biggie & Smalls street dance battle and "NZ's Queen of K-Pop" Rina Chae in the ultimate playdate POP Party!
POPS!
Fri 25 Sep - Sun 11 Oct | Open 24/7
Calling Aotea Square home are your new favourite inflatable characters Peep, Pop, Zig, Bloop, Mmph and Ooph, who are POPS! by Vesica. Check out more information here
Location
Te wāhi
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Grab a drink and catch a show at Basement Theatre. Hidden away on a back street behind Aotea Square, this intimate space empowers emerging artists and creatives to push the boundaries of theatre, art, music, and dance.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Aotea Square is located in the city centre, a 15-minute walk from Waitematā Station. If you're driving, affordable parking can be found in the Civic Car Park, directly beneath the square.
More info
He pārongo atu anō